Can I use C++11 with Xcode?
C++XcodeGccC++11ClangC++ Problem Overview
I am considering the use of some C++11 features (like auto for instance) in some cross-platform projects (Windows+Mac). On Windows, Visual Studio supports parts of the upcoming C++11 standard that would allow me to simplify parts of the code base so naturally I would be interested in starting to use these features.
But as far as I am aware, the current XCode version (3.2.4 + GCC 4.2) does not support any C++11 features at all. Can I upgrade the GCC version or the CLang version somehow? Or should I just bite my tongue and wait for Apple to package a new version sometime in the future?
C++ Solutions
Solution 1 - C++
Xcode 4.2 had finally added support for C++0X:
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In the project build settings screen, switch on "All" options.
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In the "Build Options" section, set compiler to "Apple LLVM compiler 3.0".
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Scroll down to "Apple LLVM Compiler 3.0 - Language" section and set "C++ Language Dialect" to "C++0X" and "C++ Standard Library" to "libc++".
The std::move(), move constructor and R-Value reference are known to work as expected, and I'm testing on the std::thread and std::atomic.
Solution 2 - C++
======= Update 2012: =======
Start with Clang - Many C++11 features are now available in Clang. It's included with Xcode.
======= Original answer from Jan 2011: =======
intel's compiler may be the cleanest way to go at this time. http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-composer-xe/
clang's promising, but not particularly stable or featured wrt c++0x features. c++ is still very new for clang.
gcc: relatively mature, but you'll have to write and maintain your compiler plugins for xcode.
you can also specify custom scripts, but that is a pain to maintain... unless you go all out and create an adaptor tool.
Solution 3 - C++
Xcode uses the GCC or the Clang C++ compilers. Any features supported by those compilers are fair game. GCC's C++ compatibility page is here and the Clang C++ compatibility page is here.
Solution 4 - C++
I've found auto, decltype(), range based "for (:)" work in a cross platform project (LLVM for MacOSX,iOS, gcc/linux, MSVC 10/windows).
lambdas & variadic macros don't appear to work under LLVM yet sadly.